Buying Guide
The Best Wireless Gaming Headsets Now
Six wireless headsets from the Stealth 700 to the Astro A50.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
A 2.4GHz dongle gives the lowest latency, and Bluetooth adds a phone. These six all have a dongle or base station.
We compared battery, drivers and mic from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

Best All-Rounder
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2
Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth.
Best for: PC and phone.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 (opens in a new tab)

Longest Battery Life
HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless
The longest battery life here (250 hours).
Best for: Players who hate charging mid-week.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless (opens in a new tab)

Best Tri-Mode
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Wireless ANC Gaming Headset
HyperSpeed, Bluetooth and 3.5mm.
Best for: Esports.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Wireless ANC Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

Best Base Station
Astro A50 Wireless
A charging base that switches three platforms.
Best for: Multi-platform desks.
Our take Check price for Astro A50 Wireless (opens in a new tab)

Best Mic
Logitech G522 Lightspeed Wireless
A 48kHz/16-bit mic.
Best for: Streaming.
Our take Check price for Logitech G522 Lightspeed Wireless (opens in a new tab)

Largest Drivers
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox)
The largest driver size here (60mm).
Best for: Players who favour a fuller low end.
Our take Check price for Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best All-Rounder1 of 6
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is the pick if your phone stays in your ears during a game: it plays 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio at the same time, so a call or music mixes with game sound.
Best for
- PC and phone.
Skip if
- Skip it if battery life matters most to you; the Cloud Alpha 2 offers 250 hours.
Why we like it
Its noise-rejecting mic suits noisy rooms. Its ClearCast Gen 2 mic cuts background noise by up to 25dB, and battery lasts over 50 hours with USB-C fast charge. A steel frame and memory foam balance weight and comfort.
On battery life it trails the group at 50 hours, while the Cloud Alpha 2 runs for 250 hours. You get a noise-rejecting microphone here, which sets it apart from the Stealth 700 and its a flip-to-mute microphone. You also get 360-degree spatial audio support.
On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper G522 and the pricier Stealth 700, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 50 hours
- Connection: 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously
- Microphone: Noise-rejecting
Pros
- Up to 50 hours of battery life
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio
- 360-degree spatial audio support
Cons
- Battery life trails the Cloud Alpha 2 (250 hours)
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the G522 at the time of writing
Longest Battery Life2 of 6
HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX's Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless offers up to 250 hours of battery life with 53mm drivers.
Best for
- Players who hate charging mid-week.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the G522, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It runs 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time. Its 250 hours battery life is the longest here; the G522 comes next at 60 hours. On driver size it sits mid-pack at 53mm: the Stealth 700 comes in at 60mm, and the Astro A50 comes in at 40mm.
Like the BlackShark V3 Pro, it has a detachable microphone, while the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 uses a noise-rejecting microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. When we checked, only the BlackShark V3 Pro and cheaper picks cost less, and the Astro A50 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 250 hours
- Driver size: 53mm
- Connection: 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously
- Microphone: Detachable
Pros
- Up to 250 hours of battery life
- 53mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth
Cons
- Costs more than the G522 at the time of writing
Best Tri-Mode3 of 6
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Wireless ANC Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BlackShark V3 Pro adds active noise cancellation and a 3.5mm wired option to the BlackShark design.
Best for
- Esports.
Skip if
- The maker gives no battery life, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
HyperSpeed Gen-2 wireless keeps latency around 10ms, and the detachable 12mm HyperClear mic captures voice in full band. Active noise cancellation helps in loud rooms. Its 50mm driver size ranks third of 4 here, behind the Stealth 700 (60mm) and ahead of the Astro A50 (40mm).
It shares a detachable microphone with the Cloud Alpha 2; the Astro A50 goes with a 48kHz flip-to-mute microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter.
Its price falls between the Stealth 700 and the Cloud Alpha 2, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Cloud Alpha 2, which runs for 250 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm
- Microphone: Detachable
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Active noise cancellation
- HyperSpeed, Bluetooth and 3.5mm
Cons
- No published battery life
- Costs more than the G522 at the time of writing
Best Base Station4 of 6
Astro A50 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Astro A50 uses graphene drivers and a base station that charges the headset and switches between three platforms.
Best for
- Multi-platform desks.
Skip if
- The maker gives no battery life, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
It is the premium Logitech-owned option. Its 10-band EQ, noise gate and stream mixing are set in G HUB, and Bluetooth mixes phone audio with game sound. Its 40mm driver size is the smallest in this group; the Stealth 700 leads at 60mm.
A 48kHz flip-to-mute microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 uses a noise-rejecting microphone. You also get a charging dock. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Cloud Alpha 2. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Cloud Alpha 2, which runs for 250 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Connection: Lightspeed base station, Bluetooth
- Microphone: 48kHz flip-to-mute
Pros
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Graphene drivers
- Base station that switches between three platforms
- Charging dock
Cons
- No published battery life
- Driver size trails the Stealth 700 (60mm)
- Costs more than the G522 at the time of writing
Best Mic5 of 6
Logitech G522 Lightspeed Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G522 is built around voice: Logitech offers a full-bandwidth 48kHz microphone alongside 48kHz/24-bit audio.
Best for
- Streaming.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its driver size before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It weighs 280g and offers up to 60 hours with lighting off. Its 60 hours battery life ranks second of 3 here, behind the Cloud Alpha 2 (250 hours) and ahead of the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 (50 hours). A lightspeed 2.4GHz connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Stealth 700 uses a CrossPlay dual transmitter connection.
It is the only pick here with a 48kHz/16-bit microphone; the BlackShark V3 Pro has a detachable microphone instead. It connects through a USB wireless dongle, so keep a free USB port near your desk for the best range. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 was closest. If you want a confirmed driver size, look to the Stealth 700 instead: it comes in at 60mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 60 hours
- Weight: 280g
- Connection: Lightspeed 2.4GHz
- Microphone: 48kHz/16-bit
Pros
- Up to 60 hours of battery life
- Light 280g build
- 48kHz/24-bit audio
- Full-bandwidth 48kHz microphone
Cons
- No published driver size
Largest Drivers6 of 6
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Stealth 700 uses the largest drivers here, 60mm Eclipse dual drivers, and a CrossPlay dual transmitter for switching between systems.
Best for
- Players who favour a fuller low end.
Skip if
- Its battery life is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
Memory foam cushions designed for glasses make it one of the more comfortable options for long sessions. It runs 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time, so you can take a phone call while gaming, and the battery is rated for up to 80 hours. The glasses-friendly memory foam cushions and 10-band EQ app help on long sessions.
On driver size it leads this guide at 60mm, ahead of the Cloud Alpha 2 (53mm). It is the only pick here with a CrossPlay dual transmitter connection; the G522 has a lightspeed 2.4GHz connection instead. You get a flip-to-mute microphone here, which sets it apart from the G522 and its a 48kHz/16-bit microphone.
On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 and the pricier BlackShark V3 Pro, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Cloud Alpha 2 runs for 250 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 60mm
- Connection: CrossPlay dual transmitter
- Microphone: Flip-to-mute
Pros
- 60mm drivers
- 60mm Eclipse dual drivers
- Memory foam cushions designed for glasses
- CrossPlay dual transmitter connection, the only one here
Cons
- No published battery life
- Costs more than the G522 at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
- Battery and weight
- We compared rated battery life and weight where makers state them, noting where lighting affects the battery claim.
- Platform support
- We checked which consoles and PCs each maker names, and flagged Xbox-specific connections.
- Connection options
- We recorded each headset's connections, since they decide which systems it works with and how much latency to expect.
What to Look for in a Wireless Gaming Headsets Now
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Pick the connection first
A 2.4GHz dongle gives the lowest latency for games; Bluetooth is convenient for phones but lags for shooters. Wired headsets have no latency or battery concerns.
If you play on a console as well as a PC, check which connections each platform supports before buying.
Battery life claims vary with lighting
Makers quote battery life under their own conditions, often with RGB lighting off. A 50-hour claim can drop noticeably with lighting on.
Compare figures at similar settings, and look for fast charging if you forget to plug in.
Check the microphone type
Detachable microphones let the headset double as everyday headphones. Some audiophile headphones have no microphone at all, so you would need a separate one.
If you stream or join calls, a cardioid or noise-rejecting mic is worth prioritising.
Virtual surround is software
7.1 and spatial audio labels usually describe software processing, not extra drivers. They can help locate sounds in some games and hurt music in others.
Make sure you can switch it off in the headset's software.
Weight and clamp matter after an hour
Lighter headsets reduce pressure on the top of the head, and memory foam or fabric pads stay cooler. A difference of 50g is noticeable over long sessions.
If you wear glasses, look for soft pads that do not press the arms into your head.
Open-back or closed-back
Open-back headphones sound more spacious and feel cooler, but they leak sound and block little outside noise. Closed-back models isolate better in shared rooms.
Choose open-back only if you play in a quiet room on your own.
How to Choose a Wireless Gaming Headsets Now
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| PC and phone | Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 | Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth |
| Players who hate charging mid-week | Cloud Alpha 2 | The longest battery life here (250 hours) |
| Esports | BlackShark V3 Pro | HyperSpeed, Bluetooth and 3.5mm |
| Multi-platform desks | Astro A50 | A charging base that switches three platforms |
| Streaming | G522 | A 48kHz/16-bit mic |
| Players who favour a fuller low end | Stealth 700 | The largest driver size here (60mm) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Headset | Battery life | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 | 50 hours | Not listed | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously | Noise-rejecting |
| Cloud Alpha 2 | 250 hours | 53mm | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously | Detachable |
| BlackShark V3 Pro | Not listed | 50mm | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm | Detachable |
| Astro A50 | Not listed | 40mm | Lightspeed base station, Bluetooth | 48kHz flip-to-mute |
| G522 | 60 hours | Not listed | Lightspeed 2.4GHz | 48kHz/16-bit |
| Stealth 700 | Not listed | 60mm | CrossPlay dual transmitter | Flip-to-mute |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | G522 |
| About $150 to $250 | Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, Stealth 700, BlackShark V3 Pro, Cloud Alpha 2, Astro A50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are open-back headphones good for gaming?
They give a wide, natural soundstage but leak sound and block little noise. They suit quiet rooms, not shared spaces.
Are gaming headsets comfortable with glasses?
Softer memory foam pads and lighter clamp help. Look for listings that mention glasses support if it matters to you.
Can I use one headset on PC and console?
Many can, but check the connection for each system. Xbox-specific wireless headsets often need a matching adapter or Bluetooth on PC.
Should I turn on virtual surround?
Try it in each game. It can help with positioning in some titles and make others sound hollow.
Is Bluetooth good enough for gaming?
For casual games it is fine, but 2.4GHz dongles have noticeably lower latency. Use the dongle for competitive play.
Do wired headsets sound better than wireless ones?
Not necessarily. Driver quality and tuning matter more, but wired models avoid compression, latency and charging.
Bottom Line
SteelSeries's Nova 7 Gen 2 is the all-round pick. HyperX's Cloud Alpha 2 leads on battery, and the Astro A50 suits multi-platform desks.
